“I want to set a historical precedent,” says Valerie, the current Mrs. Houston. “I would love to become the first Black Mrs. America in the pageant’s 26-year history. As far as I’m concerned, the Mrs. America crown should be a more coveted title than Miss America.” Speaking like a married woman and the proud mother of an 11-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son no doubt, Valerie explains: “I ‘m certainly proud of how well we’re represented in the Miss America pageant, but I would be the first minority Mrs. America.” Valerie’s husband Bobby, who is also an educator is very supportive of his wife and the kids, Emanuel and Sonya are downright proud of their mom.

“What motivated me to compete for the Mrs. Houston title over four years ago was the thought of becoming a role model for married sisters. It would be great for their self-esteem if I won the Mrs. Texas Pageant and then went on to represent the state in the Mrs. America Pageant. It’s the premiere pageant for married women,” says the native of Omaha, Nebraska. For sure, anybody chatting with the down to earth wife and mother, who teaches the third grade at Hartsfield Elementary School, will agree that she is definitely the right person to represent African-American mothers.

“I was a bit reluctant to enter a beauty contest at first. Hey, I’m an old married woman and a mother,” Valerie allows, tongue in cheek. “Ladies don’t tell their age, but I’ve been teaching in HISD for 12 years, so you can do the math.” When talking with the gregarious educator, her infectious smile poses somewhat a problem for one trying to do the math. After all, Valerie has a Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Texas Southern University and couldn’t possible be as young as she looks. Surely, she is delighted when one mistakes her for a much younger person.

“I’ll always be young at heart.,” says Valerie, who has dedicated her life to child development. Over the years, she has worked with many elementary students as a speech and etiquette coach; a Girl Scout leader, and an award winning History and Science Fair Coordinator and Coach. She developed and organizes a live, daily school radio broadcast, and hosts numerous school events. She is also the coordinator of the school’s annual fashion show, designed to promote self-esteem and poise among children. Valerie has a heart for mentoring children, and her work with children, is what makes becoming Mrs. America a beautiful dream that could well come true.

“I’m happy to invest my time, energy and money in something that gives me a larger forum to help children.” Insofar as it cost almost a thousand dollars to just enter the Mrs. Texas contest, explains Valerie who is reaching out to those who appreciate her quest. “Where I go, you go.” Translation: those making tax-deductible donations toward the $8,500 Mrs. Texas America Pageant tab will share the benefits of Valerie Brook’s victory. Sponsors will not only be acknowledged on radio (KTSU), but when she make public appearances during her reign as Mrs. Houston.

Sponsors will also benefit from autograph signings; a possible mention in a local ad page; radio or TV appearances; and inclusion in national ad page if crowned. And Valerie also would be invaluable to sponsors as a spokesperson for charitable causes and fund-raisers. “I would like to make this a community effort,” says Valerie. Sponsors will certainly be backing a winner. The self-determined young educator has consecutively managed for four years to respectively place or tie for first runner-up in the Mrs. Texas America Pageant.” I’m hoping that this is my break through year,” concludes Valerie.